wa  a v~»  t , 


A 


S E R M O N,  ^ 

BREACHED  AT  NORTHAMPTON, 

BEFORE 

An  EccIeHaftical  Convention, 

ASSEMBLED 

FOR  THE  PURPOSE  OF  FORMING  A 

MISSIONARY  SOCIETY, 

FOR  THE 

PROPAGATION  OF  THE  GOSPEL. 

Upon  the  lojl  Tucjday  in  September , a.  d.  i Soi  . 

* 

WITH  AN  APPENDIX,  CONTAINING  THE  DOING9 
OF  THE  CONTENTION. 


Bv  JOSEPH  LYMAN,  D.  D. 

P.iftor  of  the  Church  in  Hatfield. 


i8ci. 


l ml  *-t  t.*vic>a  <,*0 

In  Convention . 

VOTE  D — That  this  Convention  return  their 
thanks  to  Rev.  Joseph  Lyman,  d.  d.  for  his  Ser- 
mon, delivered  at  the  opening  of  the  Convention,  and  rc- 
queft  of  him  a copy  for  th<*r;?.Ess. 

Extracted  from  the  minutes,  by 

ENOCH  HALE,  Secretary. 


;o 

*5  xxxxxxxxxxxxxxyyx  xxxxx>ooooooodo<x  J £ 


A 

SERMON. 


ISAJAH,  lix.  Z9 — z„isr  cz^W£. 

II  Z>caz  //>r  mvwy  Jhall  come  in  like  a flood , the  fpirit  of  the 
Lord  Jhall  lift  up  a flandard  cigainfl  him. 

THESE  words  point  us  to  the  ufual  meth- 
od which  God  takes,  tcxr  the  protection  of  his  own 
cauie  and  kingdom,  againft  the  malicious  and  danger- 
ous enterprizes  of  his  enemies. 

The  enemy  of  whom  the  prophet  fpeaks  is  the 
devil,  and  all  other  finful  beings  in  earth  and  in  hell, 
lhefe  finful  beings  are  under  the  devil’s  dominion  and 
combine  their  efforts  with  him,  to  fruflrate  the  de- 
figns  of  redeeming  mercy,  and  to  ruin  the  happinefs 
and  defile  the  glory  of  the  church  of  God. 

The  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  is  the  Spirit  of  Chrift, 
purchafed  by  his  blood,  to  carry  on  the  defigns  of  grace, 
to  raile  up,  to  preferve  and  fanttify  to  himfelf  a glo- 
rious church  on  earth.  The  work  of  the  fpirit  is  to 
counteract,  finally,  to  overcome  and  fubdue  all  the 
adverfaries  of  Chrift’s  kingdom.  And,  efpecially,  does 
he  fet  up  his  flandard  when  the  enemy  makes  daring  ir- 
ruptions. 


[ 4 3 

ruptions,  and  breaks  in  like  a flood  to  overwhelm  the 
Lord’s  people. 

From  this  general  view,  I proceed  to  a more  particu- 
lar explanation  of  my  text. 

I.  The  enemies  of  Chrifl  are,  continually,  engaged, 
in  hoflility,  again  ft  him  and  his  church. 

There  is  a perpetual  and  unconquerable  enmity  be- 
tween the  ferpent  and  the  feed  of  the  woman.  All  the 
victories  which  the  feed  of  the  woman  hath  won,  all  the 
wounds  he  hath  already  given  to  that  old  ferpent  the 
devil,  have  effected  nothing  towards  fubduing  his  en- 
mity and  bracking  his  fpirit  of  hoflility  and  enterprize 
againft  our  Divine  Redeemer.  Having  afflidted  Chrifl: 
in  his  perfon,  and  brought  him  down  to  the  dufl  of 
death,  Satan  flill  perfeveres  to  afilidt  him  in  his  mem- 
bers. In  his  confederacy  againft  Chrifl,  Satan  hath 
combined  the  angeis  of  darknefs  and  all  the  race  of 
Adam,  who  flill  bear  the  image  of  their  earthly  head, 
and  remain  in  their  natural,  unfandtified  ftate.  Wick- 
ed men  exercife  an  incefiant  enmity  to  Chrifl  and  his 
folio -vers, and  prove  themfelves  to  be  of  their  father  the 
devil.  They  are  denominated  the  feed  of  Cain,  that 
wicked  one  who  flew  his  -ifrother.  The  righteous, 
like  Abel,  are  killed  all  the  day  long,  by  the  children  of 
Cain.  The  children  of  the  bond-woman  perfecute  the 
children  of  the  free- woman.  The  fons  of  Efau  never 
forget  their  ancient  hatred  of  their  brother  Jacob.  Sa- 
tan the  God  of  this  world  rules  in  the  hearts  of  the 
children  of  difobedience,  and  conflantly  impels  them  to 
carry  hoftili ties  into  the  kingdom  of  Chrifl. 

Tflefe  violent  aggreflions  of  Satan  and  his  adherents 
will  never  ceafe  until  thatlaft  great  day  of  our  Redeem- 
er’s vengeance,  when  he  fliall  make  his  foes  his  f'oot- 
ftool.  The  hiftory  of  man  is  an  exemplification  of  the 
inveterate  antipathy  and  implacable  malice  of  Satan  and 
his  angels  againft  Michael  and  his  angels.  Read  the 
word  of  God  and  the  writings  of  men,  and  you  will  fee 
unequivocal  proofs  of  the  indomitable  rage  of  Satan  and 

a wicked 


[ 5 J 

a wicked  world  againft  Jefus,his  name  and  his  followers. 
The  conteft,  with  unabating  fury,  hath  raged  from  the 
death  of  Abel  down  to  the  prefent  day.  But  yet 

II.  There  arc  times  in  which  the  enemy  redoubles 
his  efforts  againft  Chrift  and  his  church. 

Not  that  our  Lord’s  advcrlaries  are  ever  mitigated  in 
their  refentmenrs,  or  in  any  way,  appeafed  and  recon- 
ciled to  his  character  and  kingdom  : But,  they  are  en- 
emies under  limitation  and  controui.  They  are  over- 
awed and  repreffed,  according  to  the  good  pleafure  and 
wifdom  of  the  Captain  of  our  falvation. 

To  give  his  people  a rf miffion  of  their  griefs  and  per- 
fections and  to  enable  them  to  recover  their  growth 
and  eftablifh  their  caufe,  Chrift  lays  his  hand  upon 
their  enemies  and  checks  the  tide  of  their  rage  and  ven- 
geance. This  reftraint,  once  taken  off,  then  the  devil 
and  his  legions  marfhal  their  force  afrefli,  clothe  them- 
felves  with  new  terrors  and  practice  all  their  wiles  and 
devices  to  regain  the  ground  they  had  loft,  and  to  fink 
in  mifery  and  ruin  the  church  of  God.  They  rife  up 
like  a fwelling  flood,  which  overflows  all  its  banks  and 
inundates  countries  and  kingdoms,  in  wafteful  devafta- 
tion. 

Thus  did  the  enemy  rife  up,  like  a flood,  againft 
Chrift,  when  here  on  earth,  and  againft  his  primitive 
church,  and  feek  to  bury  them  under  the  ruins  of  the 
moft  bloody  perfections,  excited  by  the  combined 
counfels  and  exertions  of  Jews  and  Gentiles.  Thus, 
with  the  floods  of  his  wrath,  did  he  labour  to  over- 
whelm the  church  of  God,  by  the  impoflures  and 
bloody  wars  of  Mahomet,  and  by  the  craft  and  cruelty 
of  the  idolatrous  church  of  Rome.  Frequent  have 
been  the  periods,  in  which,  the  enemies  of  the  church 
have  flattered  themfelves,  that  Chrift  and  his  caufe 
w ere  totally  overcome.  The  followers  of  Jefus  have 
been,  ofttimes,  like  fhipwrecked  mariners  on  the  top 
of  a rock,  in  the  midft  of  the  ocean,  ready,  to  be  en- 
gulphed  in  the  bottom  of  the  deep.  Thefe  feafons  of 

the 


r 


6 


the  devils  great  power  and  fuccefs  are  what  we  arc  to 
underhand  by  the  enemy's  coming  in  like  a jlood. 

III.  I will  mention  iome  methods  which  the  adverfa- 
ry  purfues  for  the  fuccefs  of  his  caufe  and  the  annoy- 
ance of  the  church. 

The  two  great  inflruments  of  the  devil’s  malice,  are 
violence  and feduclion.  To  duke  the  fidelity  of  Chrifl’s 
followers,  the  adverfary  appears,  in  force,  to  crufh  and 
confound  them,  with  the  fear  and  fufferance  of  tempo- 
ral evils.  The  friends  of  Jefus  are  calumniated  with 
the  tongue  of  flander  and  are  made  the  reproach  and 
hilling  of  their  fellow  men  : They  are  ridiculed  for 
their  weaknefs  and  folly,  and  digmatized  with  the  foul 
imputation  of  vices  and  crimes.  By  difgracing  the 
chriflian  charafler,  the  enemy  labours  to  produce  a de- 
fection from  Chrid’s  family  and  to  prevent  others  from 
attaching  themfelves  to  his  caufe.  This  weapon  of 
ihame  and  ridicule,  in  holding  up  our  Lord’s  difciples 
as  the  filth  of  the  earth  and  the  offscouring  of  all 
things,  is  one  of  the  moll  effectual  engines,  which  the 
great  adverfary  has  ever  employed  to  weaken  the  caufe 
and  dimiuifh  the  numbers  of  our  Lord's  kingdom. 

Satan  has  not  only  foughr^o  difgrace  Chrift  and  his 
difciples,  to  withhold  chridians  from  worldly  honours 
and  to  tarnilh  thejr  reputation  \ but,  in  almoft  every 
age,  he  has  employed  force  and  violence,  delivered  i 
God’s  people  over  to  profecutions  in  civil  tribunals  and 
in  tumultuous  aflemblies,  dripped  them  of  their  edates, 
robbed  them  of  their  privileges,  redrained  their  per- 
fonal  liberty,  fubjefted  them  to  imprifomnent,  confif- 
cations,  banifhmcnt  and  death  ! Perfection  has  been 
a dreadful,  but,  not  the  mod  fuccefsful  engine  of  the 
enemy’s  hoftility  to  the  family  of  Jefus.  For  the  blood 
of  the  Martyrs  has  been  the  Jeed  of  the  church.  But, 
yet,  the  fword  of  perfection  has  made  wide  havoc  in 
the  chridian  church  ; has  bathed  Zion  in  tears  and 
covered  her  with  fackcloth. 


But,  the  mod  dangerous  and  fuccefsful  weapon,  in 


the 


[ 7 3 

the  hands  of  the  enemy,  has  been  the  fubtle  arts  of  fe- 
du&ion  and  the  fafeinating  cup  of  forccry.  The  in- 
dwelling  corruptions  of  good  men  and  the  reigning  cor- 
ruptions of  the  wicked  have  ever  afforded  to  the  enemy 
the  mod  alarming  advantages  to  draw  away  difciples 
from  Chrift  and  to  prevent  others  from  uniting  them- 
felves  to  a fociety,  in  which  their  fenfual  luffs  and  their 
earthly  hopes,  muff  be  forever  refitted  and  dis- 
appointed. The  defire  of  pleafurc,  of  riches  and  the 
lull  of  other  things,  have  ever  proved  but  two  SuccefT- 
ful  inftruments  in  the  hands  of  Chrift’s  enemies,  to  im- 
pede his  caufe. 

Men  have  been  feduced  into  a disapprobation  of 
Chrift’s  do&rines  and  a rejefrion  of  his  authority  ; or 
they  have  been  influenced  to  frbflitute  pleafmg  and 
plaufible  errors,  inftead  of  painful  and  felf-dcnying 
truths. 

The  deceiver  has  led  men  to  believe,  that  religion  is 
any  thing  or  nothings  as  will  beft  Suit  their  prefent  hopes 
or  fears.  By  the  delufivc  artifices  of  infidelity,  feepti- 
cifm,  idolatry,  polytheifm,  herefy,  and  the  form  of 
godlinefs  without  the  p^ver  of  it,  the  great  enemy  of 
the  church,  has,  too  luccefsfully,  laboured  to  impair 
the  ftrength,  and  undermine  the  walls  of  Zion,  and  to 
reduce  the  great  mafs  of  men,  into  a Servile  captivity, 
to  his  will  and  has  filled  his  dark  dominions,  with  a 
countlefs  number  of  deplorable  viftims. 

Let  us  now  confider, 

IV.  That  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord,  does  at  all  times,  but 
more  efpecially,  in  times  of  eminent  danger,  fet  up  his 
ftandard  againfi  the  adverfaries  of  Chrift  and  his  caufe. 

It  is  the  office  and  work  of  the  Holy  Spirit  to  car- 
ry into  effefr  die  defigns  of  redeeming  mercy, and  to  ad- 
vance the  kingdom  of  Immanuel  againft  all  the  ftrata- 
gems  and  efforts  of  his  enemies.  Accordingly,  he  is 
laid  by  the  prophet  to  lift  up  his  ffandard  againfi  them. 
LTnder  this  familiar  figure,  he  is  reprefented  as  a prince 
or  general  erecting  his  ftandard,  in  order,  *c  collect  and 

conccnne 


[ 8 ] 

concentre  his  forces  and  to  direft  their  operations  again# 
the  common  enemy. 

The  biefled  fpirit  employs  a public  difpenfation  of 
the  holy  fcriptures,  a chriftian  miniftry,  chriftian  or- 
dinances and  facraments,  and  a public  confeflion  of  the 
chriftian  faith,  as  the  means  and  inftruments  of  bringing 
home  fubje&s  to  Chrift.  In  the  obfervance  of  thefe 
diftinguiftiing  inftitutions,  Chrift’s  followers  are  colleft- 
ed  into  one  fociety,  arranged  under  the  fame  ftandard. 
By  thefe  appointed  means  of  grace,  of  fpiritual  light 
and  inftru&ion,  men,  through  the  co-operating  influ- 
ences of  the  Spirit, are  called  into  the  kingdom  of  Chrift  ; 
or  ftrengthened  in  their  fidelity  and  fortified  again#  the 
fedu&ions  and  hoftilities  of  their  adverfaries  ; and  are 
enabled,  vigoroufly  to  repel,  and,  vi&orioufly,  to  tri- 
umph over  the  rulers  of  the  darknefs  of  this  world. 

This,  in  all  ages,  is  the  work  of  the  Spirit,  To  lift 
up  the  Jlandard.  of  the  Everlajling  Go/pel,  to  difplay  the 
banner  of  Chriftian  ordinances  in  the  face  of  an  oppof- 
ing  world;  to  render  this  gofpel  fuccefsful,  in  fetiing 
up  the  kingdom  of  God  in  the  hearts  of  men  ; and  in- 
fpiring  them  with  that  knowledge  of  Jcfus,  that  love  of 
his  character,  that  attachment  tb  his  caufe  and  that 
zeal  for  his  glory,  which  will,  effe&ually,  arm  their 
fouls  again#  the  fear  of  the  enemy’s  power,  and  the 
allurement  of  his  flattering  fedudlions  and  forcerics. 

The  influences  and  exertions  of  the  fpirit  are  multi- 
plied in  proportion  to  the  activity  and  apparent  fuccefs 
of  the  adverfary  again#  Chrift  and  In’s  kingdom. 
When  the  enemy  cometh  in  like  a floo  1,  then  the  fpirit 
raifeth  aloft,  and  planteth  more  firmly  his  ftandard. 
When  Satan  gathers  about  him  his  forces,  combines 
in  one  threatning  phalanx  his  fervants  in  iniquity  and 
his  agents  in  mifehief,  and  fets  them  in  motion  again# 
the  city  of  the  New-Jerufalcm  ; then,  alfo,  does  the 
Spirit  of  Jcfus  aroule  his  followers  from  their  flumbers, 
enkindle  a frefli  portion  of  love  and  zeal  to  their  maf- 
ter,  fortify  their  bofoms  again#  the  dread  of  approach- 
ing 


L 9 3 

ing  danger  and  give  them  energy,  in  their  feelings  and 
exertions,  to  oppofe  the  common  enemy  and  vindicate 
the  honour  of  their  Dear  Redeemer.  When  the  hods 
of  davknefs  iitue  forth  from  their  haunts  of  error  and 
pollution  and  rufli  down  from  their  mountains  of  prey 
to  compafs  about  the  city  of  God,  then,  doth  the  Spirit 
colleft,  combine,  invigorate  and  lead  forth,  under  his 
vifrorious  banner,  the  faithful  adherents  ot  Jefus,  and 
by  his  vigorous  defence  of  his  people  and  the  new  con- 
quers of  his  grace,  he  proves,  decidedly,  That  in  all 
things  in  which  the  enemy  cxalleth  himfelj \ that  he  is 
higher  than  he.  When  the  enemy  appears  in  his  great- 
elt  force  and  ftrength,then  docs  the  Spirit  interpofe  and 
unveil  his  weaknefs  ; and  make  it  manned,  that  the 
foes  of  Zion  are  never  nearer  to  their  overthrow,  than, 
at  that  time,  when  their  triumph  is  greated  and  the 
defbkuion  of  Zion  feems  to  be  nigh  at  hand. 

Thus  w hen  the  Jevviih  nation  had  fallen  into  its  low- 
ed degradation  of  error,  and  wickednefs  reigned  trium- 
phant through  all  the  regions  of  Judea,  then,  by  the 
overfliadowing  of  the  Holy  Ghod,  was  conceived  and 
brought  forth  “ Immanudg£> od  with  us”  who  came  to 
five  his  people  from  their  fins.  When  horrors  of  thick 
darknefs  had  enveloped  the  chridian  world,  and  the 
apodafy  of  the  church  had  become  general  and  that 
Man  of  fin  was,  fully  revealed,  then  the  blefled  Spirit 
lifted  up  his  enfign  to  the  nations  and  called  multitudes 
into  Chrid’s  kingdom  by  the  glorious  light  of  the  ref- 
ormation. 

Thefe  are  familiar  indances  of  the  truth  of  that  pre- 
diction, “ When  the  enemy  /kail  come  in  like  a flood , the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord,  Jhall  lift  up  a flandard  againfl  him . 
The  triumphing  of  the  wicked  is  fliort.  The  feducers 
and  pcrfecutors  of  the  church  may  alTociate  with 
burning  ardor  for  her  definition,  but  the  nearer  they 
fhall  arrive  to  their  fancied  triumph,  the  more  fudden, 
certain  and  awful  will  be  the  catadrophe  of  their  own 
ruin.  While  the  devil  is  ranging  up  and  down  in  the 

B earth 


C «°  j 

earth  with  great  wrath,  and  his  roarings  againft 
Chrifts-fold  are  like  the  roarings  of  the  Lion,  even  then 
fhall  you  hear  a voice  from  heaven,  crying  unto  the  an- 
gel who  hath  the  key  of  the  bottomlefs  pic  and  a great 
chain  in  his  hand,  faying,  “ Lay  hold  on  the  dragon , 
that  old ferpent,  which  is  the  devil  and  fat  an,  and  bind 
him  a thouf and  years  ; xajl  him  into  the  bottomlefs  pit , and 
fhut  him  up  and  fet  a feal  upon  him , that  he  may  deceive 
the  nations  no  more , until  the  tboufand  years  be  fulfill- 
ed:* 

Having  finilhed  the  doftrine,  I come  to  the  im- 
provement. 


Application. 

My  Hearers,  We  live  in  a day,  when  the  ene- 
my is  coming  in  like  a flood  : And  blefled  be  God, it  is 
a day,  when  the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  lifteth  up  his  ftand- 
ard  againft  him.  While,  therefore,  it  is  a day  of  trem- 
bling and  aftonilhment,  let  it  be  a day  of  chriftian  en- 
terprize,  activity  and  joy.  For  our  Redeemer  liveth. 
He  fhall  come  to  Zion  and  tu^away  ungodlinefs  from  Ja- 
cob,and  the  ifles  fhall  wait  for  his  law. 

That  reformation  from  popery  which  began  early  in 
the  flxteenth  century,  was  one  of  the  rrsoft  happy  eman- 
cipations from  fpiritual  flavery  and  mifery,  which  the  hu- 
man mind  had  ever  experienced.  Precious  were  its 
fruits  ; ftill  more  enlivening  were  its  profpefts.  Men 
were  taught  to  reafon  and  aft  for  themfelves  in  matters 
of  religion.  God’s  w'ord  recovered  its  tarnilhed  dig- 
nity : by  the  influence  of  the  Spirit.it  had  its  operation 
upon  the  hearts  and  lives  of  men.  Hopeful  w ere  the 
expectations  that  genuine  chriftianity  would  generally 
prevail,  and  that  the  enemies  of  Jefus  in  the  apoftatc 
church  of  Rome  would  yield  to  the  force  of  unadulter- 
ated truth  and  fall  down  flain  by  the  fword  of  the  Spirit, 
which  is  the  word  of  God. 

But  the  time  of  Zion’s  enlargement  had  not  yet 

come 


C ” ] 

come.  The  adverfary  had  not  yet  carried  his  fubtle 
and  malicious  efforts  to  their  utmoft  extent.  Soon  the 
work  of  reformation  came  to  a {land,  and  by  the  policy 
and  craft  of  the  enemy  began  to  decline.  The  pure 
doflrines  of  chriftianity,  promulgated  and  embraced  in 
tbe  reformed  churches,  were  gradually  corrupted  ; and 
the  lives  of  profeffors,  proportionally  relaxed  from  thofe 
chafte  morals  and  fervent  devotions  which  were  charac- 
tereftic  of  the  firft  ages  of  reformation.  Soon  were  the 
leading  principles  of  our  holy  religion  explained  away. 
At  length  they  were  denied  and  ridiculed  and  a liberal 
fcheme  of  doftrines  and  a loofe  fyftem  of  morals  were 
fubftituted  in  their  place.  The  growing  mifehief  ter- 
minated in  a general  neglctt  and  contempt  of  genuine 
chriftianity  and  experimental  religion.  Latitudinarian 
fentiments  prevailed.  Chriftianity  was  little  better  than 
a cold  fyftem  of  external  morality,  and  philofophical 
devotion.  Stripped  of  its  appropriate  ornaments  and 
excellencies,  the  reigning  chriftianity  could  no  longer 
refift  the  corruptions  of  the  human  heart  and  the  inroads 
of  infidel  philofophy. 

The  laft  century  is  inf^ous  for  the  corruptions  of 
chriftianity,  the  introduction  of  fcepticifm  and  for  the 
rife,  growth,  progrefs  and  perfection  of  an  infidel,  a- 
theiftical  philofophy.  A fyftem  has  been  formed  and 
fet  in  motion  by  the  enemies  of  Chrift  and  his  Church, 
with  an  intention,  to  deftroy  the  falutary  effeCts  of 
truth,  to  deface  all  the  ufeful  impreflions  of  chriftian 
doCfrine  and  chriftian  morality  in  the  hearts  and  lives 
of  men.  This  plan,  purfued  with  a vigour  and  affidu- 
ity,  unparallelled,  has  been  in  operation,  until  it  has  de- 
moralized the  greater  part  of  Europe,  and  fliaken  the 
foundation  of  all  thofe  ancient  fyftems,  which  the  wif- 
dom  of  ages,  guided  by  the  word  of  God,  had  laid  for 
the  prefervation  of  virtue  and  piety  in  our  fallen  world. 
The  chriftian  world  groaneth  under  the  darknefs  and 


[ **  ] 

clubs,  and  the  fceptical  lchools  and  academics  of  our 
Lord’s  enemies. 

However  pernicious  the  effe&s  of  thefe  corrupt  meaf- 
ures  upon  the  locial,  political,  moral  and  religious  con- 
dition oi  man,  yet  it  is  too  true,  that  great  and  alarm- 
ing has  been  their  fuccels  in  ail  parts  of  the  civilized 
world. 

The  adverfaries  of  virtue  and  chriftianity  have  made 
dangerous  inroads  upon  the  church  of  Chriil  in  this 
country,  in  which  we  dwell.  It  cannot  be  contefted, 
that  in  this  favoured  land  the  profeffion  of  Chrift’s 
name  is,  generally,  neglefled,  and  of  thofe  who  have 
afiumed  the  name  of  Jelus,  not  a few  are  content  with 
the  form,  without  the  power  of  godiinels.  There  is  an 
alarming  growth  of  fenfuality,  of  profanenefs  and  im- 
morality j of  open  infidelity  and  the  contempt  of 
chriftian  ordinances  j of  a gcfpel  miniftry  and  of  reli- 
gion in  its  power  and  purity. 

Things  moll:  facred,  principles  mod  ufeful  to  the 
falvation  of  men  and  to  the  prefervation  and  profperity 
of  fociety,  are  matters  of  ridicule  in  the  mouths  of  pre- 
tended wits  and  prefumptuim  3 infidels.  The  barriers 
againft  vice  and  profligacy  are,  rudely,  broken  down. 
The  fober  habits  and  decent  morals  of  our  pious  an- 
ceftors  are  loaded  with  reproach  and  derifion.  So  that 
the  afpefts  of  providence  are,  truely,  alarming  to  all 
the  conliderate  friends  of  Zion  and  of  their  country. 

The  faithful  minifters  of  Zion  figh  and  are  in  bitter- 
nefs,  trembling  for  the  ark  of  God  : The  virgin  daugh- 
ter of  Jerufalem  is  covered  with  lackcloth.  But  the 
haters  of  religion,  the  enemies  of  Jefus,  ihout  aloud  for 
joy  and  exult  in  the  profpett  offoon  trampling  the  infli- 
tutions  of  Chrill  and  the  religion  of  their  anceftors  un- 
der their  feet. 

Ye  humble  and  afHifted  difciples  of  an  iufulted  Re- 
deemer, be  this  your  refuge  and  your  Ilrong  confola- 
tion,  that,  When  the  enemy  cometb  in  like  a flood,  the 
Spirit  of  the  Lord jhnll  lift  up  aflandard  againfl  him. 

The 

i 


[ *3  3 

The  preient  period  hath  much  light  intermingled 
with  darknefs.  It  is  a feafon  in  which  both  the  Tricu Js 
and  the  enemies  of  Chrift  appear  to  be  deeply  engaged 
and  uncommonly  a&ive  in  fupportiog  the  interefts  of 
the  two  oppolite  kingdoms  to  which  they  belong.  The 
avowed  intentions  and  the  open  hoftiiities  of  the  devil’s 
partizans  have  arrefted  the  attention,  alarmed  the  ap- 
prehenfions  and  fummoned  up  the  energies  of  all  the 
friends  of  virtue,  of  chrillianity,  of  focial  happinefs  and 
public  order  through  Chriltendom. 

The  Spirit  of  the  Lord  has  awakened  their  concern 
and  put  them  upon  the  ferious  enquiry,  How  the  wide 
fpreading  mifehief  of  demoralization  and  infidelity  (hall 
be  checked  and  counteracted.  Chriftians  in  coinpatt 
bodies  with  a firm  and  determined  flep,  are  marching 
to  the  banners  of  the  crofs  and  looking  to  the  captain 
of  their  falyation  lor  his  interpofition  in  Zion's  enlarge- 
ment. The  Spirit  who  pervadelh  all  things  and  turneth 
the  hearts  of  men  to  promote  his  benevolent  purpofes 
has  deeply  alarmed  the  minds  of  moral,  virtuous  and 
good  men  of  all  ranks,  clafles  and  denominations,  in 
Europe  and  America,  ^contemplate,  wath  a feeling 
intereft  and  folicitude,  the  rapid  growth  of  vice  and 
impiety  in  every  country  and  the  awful  calamities 
which  have  already  refulted  from  this  abounding  of  in- 
iquity. They  have  been  led  to  place  themfelves  on  the 
fide  of  virtue  and  religion,  as  that  alone  which  can  fave 
themfelves  and  all  that  is  valuable  in  both  worlds  from 
impending  deftrufrion. 

While  infidels  and  blafphemers  have  fet  their  mouths 
againll  the  heavens,  the  hearts  and  the  voices  of  the 
followers  of  Chrift  are  lifted  up  to  his  mercy  feat,  That 
he  ’would,  revive  his  own  work , and  plead  his  own 
caufe  agairji  the  workers  of  iniquity  ; that  he  would  not 
forfake  the  work  of  his  hands  nor  give  his  heritage  to  re- 
- proach.  That  heaven  is  at  work,  that  the  Spirit  is  dif- 
playing  his  all-conquering  flandard  againfl  fatan  and  his 
works,  againfl  philofophical  infidelity  and  its  crimes  is 

clearly 


[ *4  J 

clearly  manifeft  in  that  fcrious  concern  for  the  foul  and 
that  folemn  attention  to  religion  which  is  vifible,  in 
multitudes  and  in  many  portions  of  proteftant  Europe 
and  America. 

Precious  revivals,  foul-refrefliing  converfions  to 
Chrift  are  daily  reported  in  our  ears.  However  fome 
are  more  prefumotuous.and  daring  in  their  impiety  than 
ever,  yet  a goodly  number  of  people  are  made  to  real- 
ize the  guilt  and  mifery  of  rejecting  Chrift,  of  profaning 
his  name  and  deriding  his  religion.  Many  heedlefs, un- 
believing tinners  have,  of  late,  been  influenced  to  fub- 
fcribe  to  the  chriftian  faith  and  to  bow  to  the  wifdom 
of  the  crofs. 

While  chriftian  nations  are  fo  deeply  involved  in 
crimes  and  fufferings,  by  the  active  operation  of  im- 
moral and  fceptical  principles,  they  are,  yet,  incurring 
large  expences  and  proje&ing  vaft  enterprizes  for  the 
propagation  of  the  gofpel  and  for  bringing  their  fellow 
men  to  the  knowledge  and  obedience  of  the  truth. 

My  hearers,  the  Gofpel  is  the  Spirit’s  ftandard  : the 
Gofpel  is  to  level  all  the  devil’s  ftrong-holds ; to  pull 
down  the  whole  kingom  of  fjj,  The  enemies  of  God 
and  man  labour  to  corrupt,  to  defame,  to  debafe,  and 
to  hide  this  gofpel  ; to  obliterate  from  men’s  minds  its 
faving  precepts  and  holy  inftitutions.  But  this  gofpel 
is  lifted  upon  high  : It  is  that  weapon  in  the  hands  of 
the  Spirit,  which  n ali  fill  the  devil's  kingdom  with  ut- 
ter confuftcn  aiiu  naften  on  its  laft  cataftrophe. 

This  gofpel  fliall  fllence  the  fcoffings  of  infidels  and 
blafphemers ; (hall  bow  the  obftinacy  of  unfaflified 
rebels  ; like  a confuming  fire,  it  {hall  burn  up  the  Man 
of  Sin,  make  dumb  the  oracles  and  a”  inlate  the  wor- 
fhip  of  falfe  gods  : it  (hall  tame  t1  obftinacy  of  the 
Jews  and  turn  their  eyes  with  penitence  and  joy  on  him 
whom  they  have  pierced. 

Be  it,  then,  our  uncrating  prayer  to  God  and  the 
unwearied  care  and  labour  of  <mr  lives  that  this  gofpel 
lx?  preached  to  every  cfeature.  This  gofpel  will  be 

lent 


[ '5  ] 

fent  forth  like  the  great  found  of  a trumpet  and  awak- 
en the  dead  nations  to  life  and  bring  them  to  the  obe- 
dience of  Chrilt. 

Ye  defpilers  of  Jefus,  ye  fceptical  fcoffers  of  thefe 
lad  days,  hear  and  be  dilinayed  ! This  gofpel  has  be- 
gan its  progrels.  It  {hall  pull  down  that  mighty  ftruc- 
ture  of  folly,  of  wickednefs  and  mitery  which  you  are 
labouring  to  erect  amongft  men.  It  fliall  bury  you 
and  your  works  in  everlalling  confufion.  It  already 
ferments  in  the  hearts  of  men.  It  dull  e’er  long  leaven  • 
the  whole  lump. 

Ye  friends  of  Jefus,  fee  the  anfwcr  of  your  prayers 
and  the  end  of  your  faith.  Salvation  from  the  throne 
of  grace  is  flowing  down  to  men.  God’s  lpirit  lias  ex- 
cited in  the  hearts  of  chriftians  new  and  increafed  de- 
tires for  the  enlargement  of  the  Redeemer’s  kingdom 
in  the  earth.  Prayers  have  of  late  years,  with  grow- 
ing ardor,  afeended  up  to  the  mercy  leat,  for  the  pro- 
mulgation and  fucceisof  the  gofpel.  And  in  evidence 
of  the  fincerity  of  thofe  prayers,  chriflians  of  different 
denominations  have  been  quickened  to  vigorous  and 
laudable  exertions  for  the  a^ancement  of  Chriff’s  king- 
dom in  various  parts  of  th^vorld. 

Of  all  others,  the  Moravian  brethren  have  been  the 
firftandmoft  perlevering  in  thofe  benevolent  enter- 
prizes.  Confldering  their  fmall  number  and  the  medi- 
ocrity of  their  circumftances,  none  have  laboured  with 
fo  much  induflry  and  expence  of  property  .ts  thefe  pious 
and  fclf-denying  followers  of  Chrift.  Nor  has  their  ex- 
ample been  in  vain. 

Chriftians  of  other  denominations  in  Germany. 
Switzerland,  Iiollr^d,  Denmark,  and  Sweden,  have 
put  their  hands  to  ti  j work  of  the  Lord.  In  England 
and  Scotland,  however,  moft  expenfive  and  vigorou 
exertions  have  been  made.  Large  and  liberal  contri- 
butions, in  thofe  countries,  have  furniihed  the  means  of 
fending  out  and  fupperting  numerous  godly  miflionaries 
among  the  pagan  nations  of  India  and  Africa,  and  the 

Gofpel 


[ 1 6 ] 

Gofpel  has  fhone  in  purity  and  fplendor  upon  feveral 
populous  iilands  in  the  Indian  and  Pacific  Oceans. 
Thofe  regions, in  which  nothing  had  been  heard  but  the 
bowlings  of  barbarians  and  the  difmal  orgies  of  grofs 
idolaters, have  become  vocal  with  the  praifes  of  our  Re- 
deemer. 

I may  not  fail  to  mention  the  fpirited  and  well  con- 
certed exertions  made  by  many  of  God’s  people,  on  this 
continent.  Miffionary  focieties  have  been  inflituted 
and  liberally  endowed  by  the  Prefoyterian  Churches  in 
the  Middle  and  Southern  States.  Two  Miffionary  So- 
cieties are  eftablifhed  in  New- York  ; one  very  refpeCT 
able  in  Connecticut ; and  two  in  this  Commonwealth, 
together  with  feveral  fmaller  focieties,  in  different  fee- 
tions  of  our  country. 

Thefe  focieties  have  obtained  the  means  of  carrying 
forward  their  glorious  work  beyond  their  firffc  and  moft 
fanguine  expectations.  For  fevertd  years  their  funds 
have  been  in  operation,  and  the  accompanying  fmiles  or 
providence,  and  the  gracious  influences  of  the  Divine 
Spirit,  have  given  them  animating  and  marvellous  fuc- 
cefs.  Through  the  inflrur^ptality  of  thefe  means  in 
our  new  fettlements,  many  Iduls  are  flocking  to  Chriit 
as  a cloud  and  as  doves  to  their  windows.  The  antic- 
ipations of  the  mod  ardent  patrons  of  this  good  work 
have  been  exceeded  by  the  aCtual  fuccefs  in  our  diftant 
and  fcattered  fettlements. 

Difpofitions,  in  a meafure,  friendly  to  civilization  and 
to  an  entertainment  of  chriftian  doctrines,  have  appear- 
ed amongfl  the  aboriginal  natives  of  this  land. 

InflruCtive  and  pleafing  would  be  a detail  of  thefe 
aufpicious  events,  which  I have  hinted  to  you  : But  the 
time  calls  me  to  a clofe  of  my  fubjcCt,  with  a few  ob- 
fervations,  particularly,  adapted  to  the  occalion  of  our 
prefent  Convention. 

The  Minifters  of  the  Northern  Affociation  in  this 
County  have,  of  late,  been  deeply  affcCfrd  with  the 
progrefs  of  vice  and  infidelity  in  this  and  other  chrilhan 

countries 


I 

[ l7  ] 

countries,  and  with  that  deplorable  ftafe  to  which  prac- 

Itica!  godlinrfs  has  been  reduced  by  the  hoftile  exer- 
tions of  Chrift’s  enemies.  With  anxious  folicitude  they; 
have  contemplated  the  abjett  condition  of  the  aborigi- 
nal natives  pcrifhing  without  the  light  of  the  gofpel  ; 

I and  the  unhappy  fituation  of  our  own  countrymen, 
piamted  on  our  frontiers  and  call  out  from  chriftian  or- 
dinances. 

They  have,  as  I humbly  trull,  been  moved  by  the 
influences  of  the  Holy  Spirit,  to  confer  together  and 
deliberate  upon  the  proper  and  effectual  mealures  for 
preventing  a more  general  declenfion  from  our  holy 
faith,  and  for  the  faccefsful  propagation  of  divine  truth 
among  their  brethren  of  the  human  race.  That  they 
might  concert  mcafures  of  the  belt  tendency  to  their 
favourite  ob}e&,  they  have  thought  it  expedient  to  in- 
vite the  counfel  and  aid  of  their  chriilian  brethren,  in 
Rewarding  the  great  and  good  work  of  fending  abroad 
the  light  of  that  glorious  gofpel,  which  enfures  perfett 
peace  and  dignity  and  eternal  life  to  guilty  returning 
tinners. 

To  advance  this  good  a number  of  Chrift’s 

minifters  and  followers  are  here  convened  before  the 
Lord  to  afk  his  blcfibag  and  the  teachings  of  his 
grace. 

I need  not  inform  you,  that  this  is  the  moft  impor- 
tant concern  which  can  fall  under  the  confideration  of 
Chrift’s  friends  and  difciples.  Chrift’s  dying  love  for 
us  will  remind  us,  how  much  we  owe  to  our  linful  breth- 
ren, to  procure  for  them  the  fame  rich  bleflings  of  re- 
deeming mercy,  which  we  ourfelves  enjoy. 

Our  labours,  our  property,  my  hearers,  are  a facred 
depofit  put  into  our  hands,  that  we  may  advance  the 
kingdom  of  our  Dear  Redeemer, and  fecure  the  renova- 
tion and  falvation  of  our  fellow  men.  I feel  it  to  be 
unneceflary  for  me  to  fpend  my  time  in  proving  to  you 
the  duty  of  chriftians  to  be  pitiful  and  compaflionate  to 
the  wants  of  their  fellow  mortals.  And  your  own  re- 
• C flexions 


[ i8  ] 

flexions  will,  unavoidably,  teach  you,  that  charity  and 
liberality  to  the  fouls  of  men  is  a duty  far  more  confid- 
erable  than  any  exercifes  of  kindnefs  to  their  bodies. 
Charity  to  men’s  fouls  excels  charity  to  their  bodies,  as 
much  as  the  immortal  excels  the  mortal  part,  as  far  as 
eternity  furpaffes  the  fleeting  moments  of  time. 

You  need  not,  my  hearers,  that  I labour  to  imprefs 
your  minds  with  a conviftion  of  the  obligation  of  being 
kind  and  charitable  to  your  brethren  of  the  family  of 
Adajm.  What  would  be  more  ufeful,  would  be  to  di- 
rect your  willing  and  ready  minds  to  thofe  channels,  in 
which  your  bounty  and  liberality  may  flow  with  the 
greateft  advantage  to  the  kingdom  of  our  Saviour  and 
the  Iafting  happinefs  of  our  fellow  men.  Afk  your 
confciences,  can  we  bellow  our  labours  and  our  goods 
upon  any  objects  fo  neceffitous,  fo  valuable  as  the  fouls 
of  men  ? Can  we  benefit  their  fouls  in  any  way  fo  ef- 
fectual as  to  fend  to  them  the  light  of  the  gofpel  of 
peace  and  reconciliation  and  bring  them  to  an  acquaint- 
ance with  that  compaffionate  Redeemer,  who  came  to 
fave  his  people  from  their  fi%^? 

It  is  not  for  me  to  point  oin%;i  this  difeourfe  the  moll 
fuitable  meafures,  which  this  chriftian  Convention  are 
to  take,  to  accomplifh  thefe  benevolent  purpofes.  The 
united  wifdom  and  chriftian  philanthropy  of  the  Pallors 
and  Delegates  of  our  Churches  will,  1 trull,  be  ex- 
erted, in  the  moll  efficient  maimer,  to  fpread  abroad 
the  knowledge  and  obedience  of  that  Saviour,  whom 
to  know  aright  is  life  eternal. 

Our  exertions,  onr  benefactions  for  propagating  the 
gofpel  are  our  firft  duty  ; and  will,  if  we  love  our 
Lordjefus,  be  our  plealing  laiisfaClion  and  unending 
joy.  In  no  other  way  can  we  obtain  equal  peace  and 
complacency  in  our  own  minds.  In  no  other  way  can 
we  be,  fo  fubftantially,  workers  together  with  God  in 
the  eternal  plan  of  redeeming  mercy.  In  no  other  way 
can  wc,  with  l'uch  efficacy  retard  the  irruptions  of  the 
enemy  into  (he  fold  of  Guilt  and  guard  our  Zion  and 

onr 


[ *9  ] 

our  beloved  country  from  the  baneful  influence  of  cor- 
rupt opinions,  of  fcepiical  philofophy  and  gloomy  athe- 
ifm. 

To  oh  ft  raft  the  pure  preaching  of  the  gofpel  is  the 
firft  device  and  unceafing  effort  of  our  Lord’s  enemies  : 

In  this  way  do  they  hope  to  fruftrate  all  the  kind  pur- 
pofes  of  redeeming  love  to  finners  and  to  reduce  a guil- 
ty world  under  the  thraldom  of  their  more  than  Egyp- 
tian bondage. 

What  then,  on  their  part,  fhould  the  friends  of  Je- 
fus  do,  but  pray  and  labour  more  abundantly,  that  the. 
gofpel  may  have  a free  courfe,  run  and  be  glorified,  in 
calling  home  from  all  parts  near  and  remote,  many  fons 
and  daughters  unto  glory.  It  is  a good,  a benevolent, 
an  exalted  work  : Many  wife  men  and  prophets,  many 
iincere  chriftians  and  difeerning  ftatefmen  are  employed 
in  it. 

The  devil  and  his  adherents  are  alarmed  : They  are 
bending  their  efforts  againft  the  continuance  and  prog- 
refs  of  this  divine  enterprize  w hich  has  already  proceed- 
ed with  fuch  happy  energy  and  fucccfs  in  this  and  oth- 
er countries  of  chriilendom.,^k:t, 

God  gives  to  this  enterprize  his  animating  l'anftion, 
by  the  effufions  of  his  grace  and  the  operations  of  his 
l'pirit  upon  the  hearts  of  thofe,  who  are  engaged  in,  and 
thofe  who  are  the  benefited  fubjefts  of  this  heavenly 
charity.  Encouraged  by  the  pious  enterprizes  of  our 
brethren  in  Chrilt,  let  us,  all'o,  arife  and  march  for- 
ward to  the  help  of  the  Lord  againft  the  mighty.  Our 
confciences  will  approve  the  effort  : Our  God  will  in- 
creafe  our  fubftance  and  give  new  ftores  and  fupplies 
for  the  virtuous  undertaking.  Our  God  will  enrich 
us  with  fpiritual  bleflings,  when  we  impart  our  carnal 
things  for  the  recovery  and  falvation  of  his  creatures. 

Our  country,  in  all  its  religious  and  civil  interefts,  fhall 
be,  unfpeakably,  benefitted.  Our  children,  by  this  ex- 
ample, fhall  learn  to  do  good  and  , to  communicate 
w ithout  grudging  and  parflmony.  S# 

i THECL06!oA?%,c.M ■ ftARt % 


[ 20  ] 

The  wildernefs  Jkall  blojfom  as  the  refe.  The  folitary 
places  Jhall  break  forth  into  finding.  The  temple  of  Jeho- 

vah fhall  be  eroded  where  Satan's  feat  now  is.  By  rap- 
id progreffions , the  knowledge  of  our  Redeemer  fhall  cov- 
er the  earth  as  the  waters  do  the  feas. 

Arife  then,  my  Fathers  and  Brethren,  j6r  this  matter 
belongeth  unto  you.  Multitudes  of  Chrifl's  friends  fhall  be 
with  you  : be  of  good  courage  and  do  it.  When  the  enemy 
jhall  come  in  like  a flood , the  Spirit  of  the  Lord  fhall  lift  up 
a flandard  againft  him.  And  the  redeemer  fhall  come  to 
Zion  and  unto  them  that  turn  fromfranfgreffwn  in  Jacob 
faith  the  Lord.  As  for  me,  this  is  my  covenant  with 
them  faith  the  Lord,  my  fpirit  that  is  upon  thee  and  my 
words  which  I have  put  in  tlry  mouth,  fall  not  depart 
cut  of  thy  mouth,  nor  out  of  the  mouth  of  thy feed,  nor  out  of 
the  mouth  of  thy feeds  feed,  faith  the  Lord,  from  henceforth 
and forever ■ — Amen. 


Hr 


) 


APPENDIX. 


>c«xxxx>ooo<  OOCsX 

At  an  ECCLESIASTICAL  CON. 
VENTION,  called  by  letters  from  the  Northern  Affo- 
ciation  of  Miniflcrs  in  the  County  of  Hampfliire,  and 
convened  at  the  Court  Houfe  in  Northampton , on  the 
laft  Tuefday  in  September,  at  10  o’clock,  A.  D.  1801. 
were  prefent  the  following  P afters,  and  Delegates  of 
Churches,  viz. 

Rev.  Nehemiah  Porter,  and  Capt.  Selah  Norton  of 
AJhfield — Rev.  Samuel  Hopkins  of  Hadley — Rev. 
Jultus  Forward,  and  Deac.  A.mafa  Smith  of  Bclcherf- 
lown — Rev.  Rufus  Wells,  and  Lieut.  John  White  of 
Whately — Rev.  Jofeph  Lyman,  d.  d.  and  Hon.  John 
Haftings,  Efq.  of  Haj£dft — Rev.  Solomon  Williams, 
and  Deac.  Aaron  Ccfl^of  Northampton — Rev.  David 
Parfons  d.  d.  and  Doft.  Seth  Coleman  of  Amherjl , 
firft  church — Rev.  Enoch  Hale,  and  Mr.  Samuel  Kingf- 
ley  of  Wefiampton — Rev.  Joel  Hayes  and  Deac.  Jo- 
fiah  White  of  South-Hadley — Rev.  Samuel  Taggart, 
and  Maj.  Jonathan  M’Gee  of  Colrain — Rev.  Amafa 
Cook,  and  Deac.  Prince  Snow  of  Barnardjlon — Rev. 
Jofiah  Spalding,  and  Mr.  Elijah  Thayer  of  Buck l and — 
Rev.  Henry  Williams,  and  Deac.  Jonathan  Field  of 
Leverett — Rev.  Ichabod  Draper,  and  Deac.  Medad 
Dickinfon  of  Amherjl , fecond  church — Rev.  Payfon 
Willifton,  and  Deac.  Stephen  Wright  of  Eafiampton — 
Rev.  John  Taylor,  and  Lieut.  Jofeph  Barnard  of 
Deerfield — Rev.  Jofeph  Strong,  Jun.  and  Deac.  James 
White,  of  Heath-- Rev.  Elijah  Gridley,  and  Deac. 

Eli 


L 22  3 

Eli  Dickinfon  of  Granby — Rev.  Jonathan  Grout,  and 
Deac.  Jofeph  Bangs  of  Hawley — Rev.  Jofepli  Field, 
and  Deac.  Jofiah  White  of  Charlemont — Rev.  The- 
ophilus  Packard,  and  Deac.  Aaron  Skinner  of  Shel- 
burne— Rev.  Vinfon  Gould,  and  Deac.  John  Lyman  of 
Southampton — William  Billings,  Efq.  of  Conway — Deac. 
Afa  Ludden  of  Williamfburgh — Deac.  Samuel  Hyde  of 
Pelham — Mr.  Giles  Hubbard  of  Sunderland. 

Rev.  Samuel  Hopkins  was  chofen  Prefidcnt  of  the 
Convention,  and  Rev.  Enoch  Hale  Secretary. 

The  Convention  went  to  the  Meeting-Houfe,  and  at- 
tended divine  fervice.  The  Sermon  was  preached  from 
Ifaiah  lix.  19,  laffc  claufe  of  the  verfe,  “ When  the  en- 
emy JJjall  come  in  like  a flood , the  fpirit  of  the  Lord  fhali 
lift  up  a ftandard  againfl  him.” — By  Rev.  Joseph  Ly- 
man, d.  D. 

At  2 o’clock  the  Convention  was  opened  at  the 
Court  Houfe,  by  prayer  of  the  Prefident. 

Refolded.  1.  That  it  is  the  duty  of  this  Convention 
to  enter  into  meafures,  for  promoting  the  preaching, 
and  the  propagation  of  the  Gofpel,among  the  new  fettle- 
ments  of  the  United  States,  and  the  aboriginal  natives 
of  this  land.  W ? 

Refolded,  2.  That  this  Convention  will  take  meafures 
for  forming  a MiJJionary  Society. 

Rcfolved , 3.  That  a committee  of  feven  perfons  be 
raifed  to  report  to  this  Convention,  what  meafures  are 
expedient  to  be  adopted  for  forming  a Miftionary  Soci- 
ety. The  Committee  chofen  were,  Mr.  Hale , Dr. 
Parfons , Dr.  Lymany  Hon.  Efquire  Ha/lings,  Efquire 
Billings , Maj.  Amafa  Smith , Maj.  Mcdad  Dickinfon. 

The  Convention  adjourned  for  two  hours.  Being 
again  opened,  the  committee  reported  feveral  refolves, 
which  were  confidered,  amended  and  palled  as  follows  : 

Refolded , 4.  That  the  minifters  of  the  feveral  Aflocia- 
tions,  and  other  minifters  in  the  county  that  are  not  af- 
fociated,  with  their  refpe&ivc  churches,  together  with 
vacant  churches,  be  invited  to  unite  with  this  conven- 
tion 


[ 23  ] 

tion  in  meafures  for  forming  a 'Conftitution  for  a Mif- 
lionary  focicty  in  the  county  of  Hampfhire. 

Refolded,  5.  That  a committee  of  feven  members  of 
this  Convention  be  appointed,  to  unite  with  other 
committees,  that  fhall  be  appointed  in  the  county  to 
aft  with  them  in  forming  a Conftitution  for  a Miffiona- 
ry Society  in  the  county  of  Hampffiire  : That  the  a- 
bove  named  Committee  be  authorifed  and  direfted,  to 
write  to  the  feveral  Affiociations  in  the  county,  defiring 
them  to  take  meafures,  for  the  appointing  of  commit- 
tees, for  the  purpofe  above  fpecified.  And, 

Provided  no  other  Committee,  or  Committees,  be 
appointed,  to  affift  in  forming  a conftitution  for  a Mif- 
ftionary  Society,  That  the  Committee  of  this  Conven- 
tion proceed,  and  form  fuch  Conftitution.  And,  that 
the  Committee,  or  Committees,  which  fhall  form  the 
Conftitution  for  the  Miffionary  Society,  be  direfted  to 
call  a Convention  of  Minifters  and  Churches,  to  delib- 
erate upon  and  ratify  the  fame. 

Refolded , 6.  That  five  D;  reft  or  s be  chofen,  to  re- 
ceive collections,  and  ma^B  the  interefts  of  the  Mif- 
fionary Society  contemplated,  till  fuch  time  as  a con- 
ftitution for  the  fociety  fhall  be  formed,  and  new  direc- 
ors  or  truftees  be  appointed. 

Refolved,  7.  That  the  Direftors  be  defired  as  foon 
as  may  be,  to  fend  out  fubfeription  papers,  accompa- 
nied with  a fuitable  addrefs,  to  folicit  the  charity  of  the 
people  to  this  benevolent  purpofe.  And  that  the  min- 
ifters and  delegates  of  this  Convention,  be  defired  to 
ufe  their  endeavors  to  procure  fubfcriptions,  and  contri- 
butions, for  carrying  into  effeft  the  defigns  of  this 
Convention  ; and  to  colleft,  and  pay  over  the  fums  fo 
collefted,  into  the  hands  of  the  direftors. 

Ballots  were  taken  for  a committee,  for  the  purpofe 
mentioned  in  the  fifth  refolve,  and  Rev.  Jofeph  Ly- 
| man,  d.  d.  Rev.  David  Parfons,  d.  d.  Rev.  Enoch 
it  Hale,  Rev.  John  Taylor,  William  Billings,  Efq.  Hon. 

John 


[ ^4  ] 

John  Hastings,  and  Deac.  Amafa  Smith  were  found  to 
be  chofen. 

The  ballots  were  then  taken  for  five  dire&ors,  and 
Hon.  John  Haftings,  and  William  Billings,  Efq.  were 
chofen. 

Adjourned  to  Wednefday  morning  8 o’clock. 

Wednefday  morning.  The  Convention  was  open- 
ed. Ballots  were  taken  for  three  Dire&ors,  and  Rev. 
Jofeph  Lyman,  d.  d.  Rev.  David  Parfons,  d.  d.  and 
Rev.  Enoch  Hale  were  chofen. 

Voted , That  this  Convention  return  their  thanks  to 
Rev.  Joseph.  Lyman,  d.  d.  for  his  Sermon,  delivered 
at  the  opening  of  the  Convention,  and  requcft  of  him 
a Copy  for  the  Prefs. 

SAMUEL  HOPKINS,  Prefident. 
Attest— 

ENOCH  HALE,  Secretary. 
A true  Copy,  examined  by 

Enoch  Hale,  Secretary. 

FINIS. 


